The Lake George festival schedule spans the seasons beginning with the month-long Winter Carnival in February and continuing through the summer to the busy fall schedule of Oktoberfests and music festivals. Shepard Park, the Festival Commons in Wood Park and local businesses serve as venues for multiple celebrations. This list is regularly updated as promoters book new events and organizers release details. Follow the Lake George Examiner on Facebook to get the latest festival news and music line-ups.
February
Lake George Winter Carnival
The Lake George Winter Carnival is held every weekend throughout the month. Carnival headquarters are in Shepard Park. Events include car, ATV and motorcycle races on the lake and the Carnival’s signature event, outhouse races. Each weekend brings cook-offs, karaoke, dog sled rides, helicopter rides, snowmobile poker runs, human foosball tourneys, bonfires on the beach with s’mores and hot chocolate and more.
March
7th Annual Festival Of Barrels
Adirondack Pub & Brewery
33 Canada St.
Lake George, N.Y. 12845
(518)668-0002
March 10, 2018, 1 – 4 p.m.
Sample the products of nearly three dozen breweries, distilleries, cideries and wineries from across the region. The event includes live music, bonfire, fireworks and food trucks. A standard ticket includes festival admission, three-hour sampling session and commemorative tasting glass. V.I.P. ticket upgrade adds a 22 oz. bottle of Adirondack Brewery Barrel-Aged beer (exclusive to the Barrel Fest) and entrance to the Kegs & Eggs brunch (organizers recommend attendees eat a hearty breakfast before the sampling session.) Tickets may be purchased online at Eventbrite.
Sham ‘Rock’ the Block
Duffy’s Tavern
20 Amherst St.
Lake George, NY 12845
(518)668- 5323
March 17 & 18
Duffy’s Tavern hosts this annual Irish celebration. The block party features Celtic music, step dancers, a beer garden, pony rides, bounce houses, a scavenger hunt for the kids and a keg-tossing competition for the adults. Scheduled to perform at the 2018 event are “Johnny O’Eisenhart,” HellCat Maggie, Stout Boys, McGoovin and the Wild Irish Acres Step Dancers. The St. Patrick’s Day parade steps off at Beach Road Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m. and marches up Canada Street to Shepard Park.
NYS Craft Beverage Event
Fort William Henry Conference Center
48 Canada Street
Lake George, NY 12845
(518)668- 3081
March 24, 12 – 4 p.m.
Local wineries, distilleries and breweries will be on hand to discuss their products. Enjoy tasting great beverages and find your favorite to purchase! Participating vendors include Adirondack Brewery, Argyle Brewery, Lake George Distillery, The Saratoga Winery, Racing City Brewing Company, Gristmill Distillers and Amorici Vineyard. Admission is free. This event is being held in conjunction with Fort William Henry’s Reenactor Meet, Sutler Fair and reenactment of Vaudreuil’s Raid.
May
Lake George Elvis Festival
(888)406-5885
May 30 – June 3
Elvis Tribute Artists perform and compete for a spot in Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest. The festival kicks off with Opening Ceremonies in Shepard Park on May 30 with free performances by festival headliners. Major shows are held at the Lake George Forum on Canada Street. Elvis parties, cruises and a classic car parade are held throughout the Village. Visit the Elvis Fest website for a list of this year’s performers and a schedule of events.
June
Americade Block Party & Concert Series
Americade and 398 Group
Canada Street in front of Shepard Park
Lake George, NY 12845
June 8 & 9, 2 – 11 p.m.
The Americade motorcycle touring rally, which draws thousands to Lake George each June, is kicking it up a few notches for 2018 by closing out with a party in the middle of Canada Street. They are erecting a stage in front of Shepard Park for their concert series. Traffic will be diverted to side streets. Performer line-up will be announced soon. Note last year’s Americade Concert Series headlined Molly Hatchet and Commander Cody. Organizers are planning a beer garden, motorcycle stunt shows by Busted Knuckles Stunt Tour, walking entertainers and Friday night fireworks. Admission is free.
LG Volunteer Fire Department Summer Festival
Shepard Park
Canada Street
Lake George, NY 12845
Info: (518)232-07000
June 22, 23 & 24
Arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, bounce houses and games of chance fill Shepard Park for this annual festival. Admission is free.
Adirondack Wine & Food Festival
Charles R. Wood Festival Commons
17 West Brook Rd.
Lake George, NY 12845
(518)668-9463×15
June 23 & 24
this is the event of the year for foodies and craft beverage connoisseurs. Now in its fourth year, the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival brings more than 80 vendors to the Festival Commons at the head of Lake George. A tasting ticket includes a commemorative wine glass, which you may use to sample the products of local wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries.
Taste food products from more than a dozen artisan food producers, buy lunch from one of several food trucks and shop at specialty vendor booths. Food preparation demonstrations are provided by the SUNY Adirondack Culinary School.
This is a kid-friendly event with a special tent of games and craft projects. Discounted advanced tickets may be purchased online at the Festival’s website.
American Music Festival for the Lake
Charles R. Wood Festival Commons
17 West Brook Rd.
Lake George, NY 12845
June 30 & July 1
After a one-year hiatus, the American Music Festival returns to Lake George. This is the music event that launched the Festival Commons venue in September 2014. Expect two days of continuous music performed by local, regional and national acts. Past performers include Blue Öyster Cult, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and The Voice winner Sawyer Fredericks. Check back for the 2018 line-up announcement. The American Music Festival is brought to Lake George this year by 398 Group.
July
Lake George Community Band Festival
Shepard Park
Canada Street
Lake George, NY 12845
LGCB Public Relations: (518)222-1302
July 20 & 21
The Lake George Community Band hosts community bands from across the Northeast and Canada for two days of performances at the Shepard Park Amphitheatre. This is the 14th year for this festival, which is the largest of its kind in the Northeast. Admission is free.
August
Lake George Music Festival
Venues throughout the area
Contact: (518)791-5089
Aug. 12 through 24
Musicians from across the globe gather in Lake George to perform in small ensembles and with a full orchestra. The public is invited to attend rehearsals and performances at venues throughout Lake George. Highlights of the festival include a free children’s concert in Shepard Park and the Sounds of Our Time concert, which explores the connections between different musical genres. A complete schedule and tickets are available at the Lake George Music Festival website.
Firemen’s Family Festival
Shepard Park on Canada Street
Lake George, NY 12845
Info: (518)232-07000
August 17, 18 & 19
Arts and crafts, food trucks, bounce houses and games of chance fill Shepard Park for the Lake George Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Family Festival.
September
Adirondack Independence Festival
Charles R. Wood Park Festival Commons
17 West Brook Rd.
Lake George, NY 12845
Sept. 1 & 2
This festival is known for bringing non-stop music from top bands on the festival circuit. The 2018 fest kicks off Aug. 31 with a free concert in Shepard Park and party at King Neptune’s Pub. This year’s lineup and ticket info will be announced soon. Follow the AIM Festival Facebook page for updates and deals on tickets and lodging. A heads-up for campers — area campsites sell out early for this fest.
Lake George Jazz Weekend
Lake George Arts Project
Shepard Park on Canada Street
Lake George, NY
(518)668-2616
Sept. 15 & 16
Lake George Arts Project hosts two days of Jazz performances at the amphitheater in Shepard Park. The eclectic lineup features nationally recognized artists in an intimate setting. Admission is free.
October
Oktoberfest
In the middle of Canada Street
Friday, Oct. 5, 5–10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 6, 12 – 10 p.m.– 10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct 7, 12 – 5 p.m.
Columbus Day Weekend, the Village of Lake George erects a bier garden on Canada Street in front of Shepard Park. The Lake George Oktoberfest features continuous live music, dancing, Bavarian food, beer, wine, hard cider, contests and games, carnival rides and merchandise vendors. Admission is free.
November
Lite Up the Village
Shepard Park
Canada Street
Lake George, NY
Saturday, Nov. 24, 6 p.m.
The Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend, the Village of Lake George ushers in the holiday season by lighting thousands of colorful lights strung through Shepard and Blais Parks. The event includes live music on the Shepard Park stage, a parade of lighted fire engines, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and free holiday concert at the Lake George Fire Department by the Lake George Community Band.
